Ukrainian Athletic Federation athletes training at CVEATC ahead of 2022 World Athletics Championships
By Nick Gasparro, Operations Assistant CVEATC
CHULA VISTA, CA – The International Olympic Committee, World Athletics, the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center have joined in the spirit of Olympic Solidarity to support and host the Ukrainian Athletic Federation as they prepare for the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
37 athletes and coaches from the Ukrainian athletics team began arriving in Chula Vista on June 30 and will be training through July 13 at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center.
To honor the Ukrainian athletes, Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center is hosting a “United for Ukraine” reception to welcome the Ukrainian Athletic Federation, athletes and coaches to Chula Vista.
In addition to the Ukrainian Athletic Federation delegation, reception attendees include the Mayor of Chula Vista, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, and civic, community and business leaders.
The reception starts at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday July 7, 2022, and will be held at the Visitor Center Courtyard around the Olympic torch.
“We are honored to host the Ukrainian Athletic Federation on our campus and in the spirit of the Olympic values of friendship, respect and excellence,” said Brian Melekian, President, Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center. “We wish them the best of luck at the World Athletics Championships.”
“We are very grateful for your kind and very important support and assistance in these difficult times for Ukraine,” said Oleskii Serdiuchenko, Ukrainian Athletics Coach. “In spite of the war in Ukraine, with the help of our international friends, we continue to prepare our team to take part in the World Athletics Championships 2022 in Oregon, USA.”
It will be a catered event and include the Ukrainian dishes of chicken kiev, pierogies and beef stroganoff.
The Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center is an official U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Site and one of the largest training centers, spanning over 150 acres and hosting more than 20 sports in effort to help athletes realize their dreams of success. In addition to Ukraine, there are several international teams and athletes acclimating and training in lead up to the World Athletic Championships including members of Team USA, and athletes from India, Portugal, Brazil, Israel, Chile, Singapore and Norway.
About the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
The Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center is designated as a U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site. It opened in 1995 as an Olympic Training Center and was the first to be planned specifically as such. Housing, dining, training facilities, local transportation, recreational facilities, athlete services and professional development programs are all on-site in support of the athletes training here. Visit trainatchulavista.com today for more information.